CARLSBAD — As if the 20th annual Electric Light Parade wasn't festive enough, the first annual Nights of Lights Christmas celebration will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Halagueno Arts Park.

Karla Hamel, director of Main Street Carlsbad, said the celebration will feature live music, food and craft vendors, and cups of steaming hot chocolate to be enjoyed in the lighted park.

Santa will also be in attendance and will be available for photos and, of course, to hear children's Christmas wishes.

Patsy Jackson-Christopher, director of Carlsbad's Department of Arts and Culture, said Nights of Lights is part of a plan to make the arts park into a state-designated Arts and Cultural District. Having events at the park helps qualify it for the designation.

The City applied for the designation last year but was not a recipient. Hopefully, Jackson-Christopher said, Nights of Lights will put it in a better situation.

"We've been working very hard to make sure that we are more qualified for this next round," she said. "We're hoping to turn this into a Christmas town and get more and more participation. That will just attract more tourism during the Christmas season."

At 7 p.m., the Electric Light Parade will depart near the park and travel the same route it did last year: down Mermod Street, left on Canyon Street, then right on Church Street ending at the Lake Carlsbad Municipal Beach Park.

Trophies will be awarded to the first, second and third place floats.

Jackson-Christopher said the free event is perfect for families.

"I love the chance for families to be together and do something like this for the holidays," she said. "It's not about the shopping or the commercialism. It's just a chance for families to be together and do something that's fun."

She said the weather is looking clear for tomorrow night and the event would not be called off "until the last minute" if necessary.